Gorgeous Tragedy Vol 2

About the Book

Some writers decided after the fall of the Iron Curtain that History was no longer needed. For them History had come to an end. In schools the subject is no longer obligatory. Yet surely there cannot be an end to History while mankind survives, for History is surely about people, their successes and their "crimes, follies, and misfortunes," their failures and tragedies.

Edward Gibbon wondered about The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. Arnold Toynbee in his A Study of History saw death facing every past civilization. Is Western Civilization about to fall? The ancient Greeks and Romans believed in Fortune, Fate or Chance, Envy of the Gods and Pride and Doom: "It is God's way to bring the lofty low." In the Bible, Kingdoms "are weighed in the balances and are found wanting." Christ said, "For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled." Hubris seems ubiquitous. "What is truth?" asked Pilate.

These are the themes of Gorgeous Tragedy, which is almost an encyclopaedia and could be used as a reference book about the famous of History. Yet all is not doom and gloom. Gorgeous Tragedy has its share of humour, irony, and bathos.

Gorgeous Tragedy provides a review of World History from the beginning to the present day. Each chapter contains biographies of famous men and women; and although the theme is tragic lives, there is also humour and irony. Poetry and prose are linked together to provide a continuous story; yet a “browser” could enjoy each section separately. The book should interest readers in Canada, Great Britain, and the United States.

About the Author

I worked as a tree planter and as a waiter to pay my way to Queen's University, where I earned a General Degree and then an Honour Degree in History with a Minor in Economics and Political Science. Then I obtained a High School Specialist's Type A Certificate in History. I taught in the Province of Ontario: History, English, Geography, and Economics, and also Art one year. I retired to British Columbia to assist my aged parents and write my history. I have finally returned to Ontario, to Ottawa, to be near my family.